STYLEGUIDE

— to help you plan what to wear for your session at South Padre Island —

The goal isn't to look perfectly styled.
It's to look like yourselves, just a little more intentional.

For beach sessions, I love clothing that feels soft, natural, and easy to move in. Think flowing fabrics, relaxed silhouettes, subtle textures, and colors inspired by the coast.

Your images will include plenty of movement—walking, running, holding little ones, playing in the sand, and letting the wind do its thing.

When in doubt, choose comfort + texture + simplicity.

COORDINATING, not MATCHING

You don't need everyone in the same color or the same outfit.

Instead, choose 3 muted colors that complement one another, 1-2 pops of color, and mix them throughout the family.

For example:

Mom: burnt orange dress
Dad: olive shirt + tan pants
Child: ivory romper
Child: dusty blue dress

For Extended Family Gatherings - this also applies! Try to mix colors and textures throughout the family. For example, try not to have all the men wear denim jeans. Maybe two men can, some wear khaki pants, and maybe one man wear a denim shirt or jacket. Maybe one lady can wear a denim dress. Then, you can mix in linen, cotton, and other colors/prints throughout the family in a similar way.

Everyone feels connected without looking like a uniform.

MIX TEXTURES

Texture adds depth and interest to photographs.

Think:

Linen • cotton • gauze • knits • denim • subtle stripes • eyelet • woven fabrics

AVOID

  • Neon colors

  • Large logos

  • Character graphics

  • Very bold patterns

  • Everyone wearing the exact same color

  • Extremely stiff/formal clothing

  • Distracting words or text

  • Too many competing patterns

ONE or TWO PATTERNS IS PLENTY

If one or two family members wear a subtle pattern, let the rest of the family complement it with solids and textures.

Here are some examples of potential color palettes that you can take inspiration from. Pops of color that look lovely with each of these include RED, deep ROSE, burnt ORANGE, or TEAL.

forMOM

START WITH SOMETHING YOU LOVE

Mom is often the visual anchor of the family, so I recommend choosing your outfit first and building everyone else's outfits around it.

Long dresses and skirts photograph beautifully at the beach because they move with the breeze and create beautiful, organic movement in photographs.

LOOK FOR:

  • Flowing dresses and skirts

  • Linen pants or light wash denim

  • Linen and cotton

  • Soft and/or textured fabrics

  • Simple silhouettes

  • Barefoot-friendly hemlines

  • Neutral or muted colors (or be the pop of color!)

A FEW THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING YOUR OUTFIT

Before settling on an outfit, take a moment to consider how comfortable and secure you’ll feel moving, sitting, and interacting with your family. The best outfit is one that allows you to be fully present without having to adjust it throughout your session.

Please consider avoiding anything that:

  • Reveals undergarments: Necklines, backs, or armholes that may expose bra straps or other undergarments.

  • Requires frequent adjusting: Necklines that are lower than you typically feel comfortable wearing or that may require you to continually pull or adjust the fabric.

  • Has a very short hemline: Keep in mind that coastal wind can add movement to skirts and dresses, so choose a length that allows you to move comfortably and confidently.

  • Feels uncomfortable or restrictive: Avoid anything that makes you self-conscious about the fit—whether that's a waistband that feels too snug, sleeves that slip off your shoulders, or a silhouette that requires constant readjustment.

Above all, choose something that makes you feel beautiful, comfortable, and confident. If you're able to forget about your outfit once the session begins, you've chosen well.

NO SHOES

Barefoot is always beautiful at the beach.

forDAD

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Dad doesn't need to be overly dressed up. A linen or textured button-down, relaxed polo, henley, or simple tee paired with neutral pants or shorts can look effortless and polished.

  • Linen/cotton button-downs

  • Textured henleys

  • Neutral tees

  • Lightweight layers

  • Khaki, tan, olive, cream, or brown

  • Relaxed shorts or pants

  • Light wash denim

Avoid shirts with large logos, loud graphics, or very bright colors. Subtle prints/graphics are welcome, as long as they are not distracting.

THE LITTLE DETAILS MATTER.

Make sure clothing fits well and that undershirts/garments and accessories are intentional. (If his shirt is a light color, sometimes you can see undershirts or underwear bands through the shirt.)

NO SHOES

Barefoot is always beautiful at the beach.

theCHILDREN

LET THEM STILL LOOK LIKE THEMSELVES

Children don't need to be perfectly coordinated. In fact, a little personality makes the photographs better.

Look for:

  • Simple dresses

  • Linen or cotton sets

  • Overalls

  • Rompers

  • Knit textures

  • Soft, muted colors

  • Barefoot

SKIP THE CHARACTERS

As tempting as the favorite Disney, Paw Patrol, or Frozen shirt may be, save it for after the session.

Simple clothing keeps the focus on your child, their expressions, and the connection between everyone.

FOR BABIES + TODDLERS

Soft, simple layers photograph beautifully—but avoid bulky sweaters, stiff fabrics, or anything that may bunch around their faces when they're being held.

And don't forget the little things:

Hair accessories. Underwear. Diapers.

The tiny details matter more than you think. If your daughter is wearing a dress or skirt for example, make sure she is wearing shorts that are not distracting and that blend under the dress or skirt.

HAIR STYLING

KEEP IT NATURAL

The beach already gives your images beautiful movement, texture, and light. Your hair and makeup don't need to fight against it.

For makeup, I recommend soft, natural, and polished rather than heavy or overly glam.

Think:

  • Natural skin

  • Soft definition

  • Neutral tones

  • Waterproof mascara

  • Lip color that feels like you

  • A little extra setting powder/setting spray for humidity

LET YOUR HAIR WORK WITH THE WEATHER

South Padre is beautiful—but humidity and coastal wind have a mind of their own.

If your hair normally has natural texture, I encourage you to embrace it. Your natural waves, curls, or texture can look absolutely beautiful in the wind AND more often than not - the natural texture of your hair will come out during the session. Styled looks (straight/curled) don’t last long.

If you'd like to style it, beach waves are a wonderful option.

Sleek styles can also photograph beautifully:

Low ponytail • slicked-back pony • low bun • relaxed braid

A LITTLE REALITY CHECK

If you're hoping for perfectly curled or perfectly straight hair, keep in mind that high humidity and coastal wind may not allow the style to hold throughout your session.

Rather than fighting the weather, I recommend choosing a style that will still look beautiful as it naturally loosens and moves.

The goal isn't perfectly styles hair.

READY TO PLAN YOUR SESSION?

The best outfits are the ones that allow you to move, play, laugh, and be present with your family.

Don't worry about creating the perfect Pinterest-worthy wardrobe. Choose pieces that feel like you, complement the natural beauty of the coast, and allow your family to move freely.

I can't wait to create some beautiful memories with you.